Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311796 Inspection date 07 December 2005 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 1989. She lives with her husband and their two grown up sons. They live in the Low Fell area of Gateshead, which is in walking distance of parks, shops, schools, library and leisure centre. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed yard available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children who attend for various sessions.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through informal daily routines; for example, as they are encouraged to wash their hands the childminder provides the children with simple explanations as to why. The childminder has good procedures in place such as washing surfaces before meals, use of hand gel and regular cleaning routines to ensure that play materials are kept clean. As a result of this, the risk of cross contamination is minimised. The children enjoy a range of outdoor activities that helps them to develop their physical skills. Close proximity to the local park means children access the outdoors on a regular basis. Children learn to practise and develop their physical skills and control over their bodies as they climb, swing and balance on equipment, and learn to appreciate the fun and freedom of being outdoors from an early stage. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They ask for drinks confidently, and are able to

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Helping children to be healthy

make their own choices from the range of healthy snacks and meals on offer. Children's independence and self-help skills are enhanced as they are encouraged and supported effectively to feed themselves. Regular discussions and explanations increase children's understanding of which foods and drinks are healthy and what's not good for their teeth. This is reinforced when children accompany the childminder to the dentist, helping to prepare the children for their own dental checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good amount of indoor space, which they make effective use of to play their games. The layout of the furniture and play areas allows children to play safely, and to feel confident in exploring their surroundings. Toys and equipment are safe and suitable to minimise any risks to children. The childminder places strong emphasis on developing warm and trusting relationships with the children so they feel part of the family, and safe and secure in her company and home. Good security arrangements and clear procedures for the collection of children ensure they do not come to any harm. Close supervision and effective safety measures across the property such as, fireguards and smoke alarms contribute to keeping children safe. There are procedures for evacuations of her home in an emergency. However, these are not practiced with the children on a regular basis. Special care is taken to make sure young children do not have access

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to toys, which may cause harm and the older children learn to keep small items out of their reach. Children develop a good sense of road safety as they learn about dangers outside and how to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. They learn when it is safe to cross the roads and the importance of listening to adults. Children develop safety

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 awareness in the park, learning not to run near swings and to walk slowly on slippery surfaces. They gain an understanding of how far it is safe to move away from the childminder outdoors so, they are always in her sight, thus promoting their independence and assessment of risk. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children's welfare in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children look forward to attending the childminder's home and experience a wide range of activities to support their learning. They are happy and develop a strong sense of belonging. Children enjoy learning about the natural environment. They help the childminder to tend the garden, and have fun making bird cakes to hang in the garden. Children play games together and confidently express themselves as they care for their dolls, play doctors and sing songs. They have opportunities to meet others at toddler groups to help develop their social skills. The childminder dedicates her time playing with the children and recognises the importance of allowing them space to develop their own ideas and imagination. The nurturing environment and close, caring relationships help develop a sense of trust. Children are developing good levels of concentration as they explore and select a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

range of creative materials to express their own ideas. The childminder uses these opportunities to promote children's learning as they talk about shape, size and colour. Children's confidence and independence skills are developing well as they make choices about activities and the materials they use. Children receive lots of cuddles and their early communication skills are supported well through high quality interactions with the childminder. The childminder talks to them as they play, maintains good eye contact and gives lots of warm smiles to engage them. The warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder contributes greatly to children's sense of belonging. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her a hug which she responds affectionately too. The children and the childminder show a mutual respect for each other as they give each other time to talk and listen to one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder forms with parents. Information about the children's development and activities are shared on a daily basis. This provides continuity and consistency for children and involves parents in their child's care. The childminder is keen to develop written policies, which will provide parents with clear information about the service she offers. Children are respected for their individuality. They confidently make their needs known and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 express their thoughts and ideas, which makes each child feel important and valued. Children learn about the wider world through resources and activities. The childminder talks to children about similarities and differences, and encourages children to respect others. Children are very well behaved. They are clear about the boundaries and expectations which are explained to them and applied consistently. Children display high self-esteem and confidence as they are praised for their efforts and achievements, and their work is displayed and valued.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment which fosters their independence and provides them with opportunities to develop. They have fun with the childminder and feel at home where they can access a wide range of play materials and resources. They have a familiar daily routine, which provides them with security and confidence. The childminder organises the premises well. The lay-out helps to maximise play opportunities and allows good levels of supervision to take place without overly encroaching on children's play; as a result children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to maintain records. All the required paperwork is well organised and used well to promote the welfare of the children. Registers and records meet all regulatory requirements and are easily available. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to provide evidence to confirm that all members of the household have been vetted. All documentation required to confirm this is in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • practice and record emergency escape procedures on a more frequent basis • consider drawing up written information for parents to reflect the service provided.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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